Residency Reclassification

An individual who is initially classified as a nonresident for tuition purposes may become eligible for reclassification as a resident for tuition purposes only if that individual (or the parent(s)/legal guardian of that individual, if the individual is a dependent) supports permanent residency in this state for 12 consecutive months. The individual (or his or her parent(s)/legal guardian, if the individual is a dependent) must present documentation that substantiates residency in Florida is for the purpose of maintaining a bona fide domicile, rather than for the purpose of maintaining a mere temporary residence or abode incident to enrollment at an institution of higher education.

Residency reclassification requests are subject to Florida statute 1009.21, University of North Florida policy and State Board of Education rule 6A-10.044 which was adopted by the Florida Board of Governors on September 6, 2006. The instructions below do not compromise a comprehensive statement regarding residency reclassification. Refer to theFloridaShines web site for state guidelines on residency reclassification. The burden of proof is on the student to provide clear and convincing documentation that supports permanent legal residency in Florida for at least 12 months rather than residency for the purpose of pursuing an education.

Living in Florida for a year or longer does not automatically qualify you for in-state tuition as Florida law distinguishes between a "Florida Resident" and a "Florida Resident for Tuition Purposes."

Ties to another state or country will result in a denial of a residency reclassification application.

Students may only apply for residency reclassification for an upcoming semester. Requests for retroactive residency will not be considered unless there was a University error which resulted in an incorrect residency designation for a prior term.

Instructions

Read the instructions and begin the reclassification application. Please ensure that all sections of the application are complete before submission.

The deadline to turn in all required documentation is the last working day before the first week of classes of the term for which you are applying for residency. Get more guidance on documentation.. Please contact One-Stop Student Services for additional questions/information.

Copies of all documentation is required before a decision can be rendered.

As documentation is reviewed, additional requests for documentation or clarifying statements may be sent to the student. Monitor your email closely to ensure you receive all communication regarding your reclassification application.

No single piece of documentation will be considered conclusive.

Students are encouraged to contact One-Stop Student Services for questions regarding how reclassification will affect financial aid.

FAQ

Please submit your residency reclassification application at least a month before the beginning of the term in which you'd like to reclassify. This process can take a few weeks, so it's a good idea to submit early to give yourself some time to get any requested documentation submitted prior to the deadline.

The deadline to turn in all required documentation is the last working day before the first week of classes of the term for which you are appying for Florida residency.

Although a student may submit multiple forms of documentation to support an application for residency reclassification, additional documents may be required to render a decision. There are many reasons for which more information is requested. It might be due to a gap in documentation submitted to prove residence for 12 months and only 10 months were provided. There may be questions regarding a student's requisite intent and further clarification is needed. There may be date discrepancies between the date of establishment and the ID issue dates. Each student's case is unique and may require specific documentation.

Students will receive all communication regarding their reclassification applications through their UNF email accounts. Email should be monitored closely as requests for clarification or additional documentation may be sent.

A letter from a claimant's employer should be on letterhead and signed by the supervisor. The letter needs to include the hire date, whether the person is still employed by the company, and a status of permanent full-time employment for a minimum of 30 hours per week for at least 12 months prior to the first day of classes for the term in which reclassification is sought.

Requisite intent is addressed in Section V of the reclassification application. The documentation requested for this requirement should be something that shows the claimant is in Florida for reasons other than school. More information can be found in the Residency Guidelines on FloridaShines.org, Section 5.2 "Documentary Evidence." Merely residing in Florida is not grounds for receiving in-state tuition as Florida distinguishes between a "Florida resident" and a "Florida resident for tuition purposes."

If a residency reclassification application is denied, the student will be notified via email. If the student feels that an error was made, he/she can submit an Enrollment Services Appeal in myWings for committee review. The committee's decision is final.

JEA statements can be submitted as part of residency documentation, but proof of payment is also required. Bills cannot be accepted as proof of payment because there is no indication on the bill of who made a payment to the account. The claimant must be identified as the person paying the account. Acceptable proofs of payment may include copies of checks or online bank statements with transactions identified as being paid to JEA.